Beginning                                July 28, 2022

This is the start of a journal I am hoping to keep going. The goal is to document my education, learning, and experience as I get back into astronomy. I will also hopefully provide some useful links to help other beginning.

This will also serve as an observing log, although not a very well organized one as I start my education in amateur astronomy.

 

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Observing Log 24 July 2022 I had tried to set up the scope and have it do a 2 star alignment a couple of weeks ago, but the battery charge got too low before I could finish. I ordered the AC adapter, and it arrived a few days later. This was the first time I had a chance to get out and try it. I picked a spot that gave decent views of the southern sky and set three flat paving blocks where the tripod legs would be. Power was run using an extension cord from the wood shop.I set up the telescope at about 23:00. The 2 star alignment function worked well. The only issue was that one of the stars I picked to try wasn't listed in the catalogue, so I had to pick another. Where I set up trees blocked the north and northeast skies. This limited my choices somewhat. Tried out the Sky Tour function. Still using the 25mm eyepiece. Some of the objects were hidden behind the trees or were still below the ridge line to the east. Did get a good view of Andromeda. No fine detail, but an elongated o...
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26 March, 2025, Mars and an almost major oops!

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2 September 2023 Observation Notes.

Image
  Set up to observe Jupiter. The blocks on the stool are to increase it's height while observing at low angles. A head lamp is hanging on the side of the eyepiece case so I can reference "Turn Left At Orion", a reference notebook, and my journal. I was holding my Celestron red light to take the picture.      I wasn't planning on observing tonight because the forecast cloud cover was too much. However, at about 20:30 the sky was almost completely clear, with a few high cirrus far to the west.  Started at 21:30, but had to realign because I accidentally pulled the power jack out of the mount. At 21:45 I was on Saturn again. Was picking bright targets because sky was bright, even though the Moon wasn't up yet.The seeing was similar to last time I observed Saturn. About 22:17 a band of high thin cirrus passed in front of Saturn, causing it to be more unsteady and fuzzy, as though out of focus. At 22:20 the 92% waning moon came up the Sapphires. I took time to go in ...
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